During the Cebu Convergence Meeting on Transport, Logistics, Fuel, and Supply Chain on March 31, stakeholders agreed on several key initiatives, including deploying mobile caravans to deliver essential goods directly to upland and underserved communities.
These mobile caravans have already been piloted in two Cebu City villages—Agsungot in the north and Babag in the south—through collaboration among local grocery chains, the city government, and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
The provincial and city governments, along with national agencies, also agreed to strengthen price monitoring mechanisms, while retailers committed to holding the line on prices and maintaining adequate stocks of basic commodities.
Other agreed initiatives include the suspension of truck bans and the relaxation of cargo movement restrictions to ensure the efficient flow of goods, as well as the introduction of green lanes and automated assessment protocols at ports to prevent bottlenecks.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro opened the meeting at the Capitol Social Hall, which was attended by at least 120 representatives from national agencies, local government units (LGUs), local chambers, industry groups, logistics providers, shipping operators, retailers, and the hotel and resort sector.
In her speech, Baricuatro emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated action to strengthen the province’s supply and logistics chain.
Collaboration
“Because the government alone cannot do this. And the private sector cannot and should not do this alone either. We are not here for long-term plans alone; we are here for immediate, practical, and doable solutions. Solutions that we can implement not months from now—but now,” Baricuatro said.
She assured stakeholders that the provincial government remains proactive and is continuously exploring all possible interventions to support the public and sustain economic stability.
Regan Rex King, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), likewise affirmed the chamber’s commitment to collaborate in navigating the current challenges.
“The next one to two weeks are very critical. Today, we extend a call to our fellow chambers, business organizations, and industry groups across Cebu. Let us stand together, move together, and be one voice and one force in helping our government navigate this challenge,” King said, citing supply chain pressures and uncertainties faced by industries.
In a news conference at City Hall on March 31, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival admitted that the fuel crisis has already affected economic activities.
Economic slowdown
Investment and business expansion have slowed, while some construction projects have been put on hold as high fuel costs continue to drive up the prices of construction materials, said Archival, an electrical engineer by profession.
Given these developments, the mayor warned of a potential rise in the unemployment rate.
He added that the tourism sector is also being affected, which could impact hotels and workers whose livelihoods depend on tourist arrivals.
The mayor said he has received reports that farmers are grappling with the high cost and limited supply of fertilizers, which has affected production.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also beginning to feel the strain, with many experiencing declining sales, Archival added.
“Economic pressure is building across multiple sectors. We notice a slowdown in economic activities,” the mayor told reporters.
He said the city’s priority remains controlling the cost of living and intensifying price monitoring efforts.
Subsidies
During the Regional Development Council–Central Visayas (RDC-7) meeting on March 30, Archival said officials discussed the rollout of subsidies for the most affected sectors, noting that similar assistance has already been distributed in Metro Manila.
So far, he added, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has informed the RDC-7 that only cash assistance for drivers has been scheduled.
The mayor said discussions also covered the provision of temporary tax relief incentives and livelihood programs from the national government to support MSMEs and prevent job displacement.
Archival added that he had met with officials of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and several grocery operators, who assured him that supplies are sufficient through June, provided there is no hoarding or panic buying.
To ensure access to essential goods in upland areas, Archival said the city has already rolled out grocery caravans to Barangays Agsungot and Babag. Residents also submitted lists of additional items not available in the mobile stores, while other mountain barangays have requested similar caravans in their communities. —-Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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